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As the 2024 presidential election approaches, K-12 education remains conspicuously absent from candidate discussions and debates. During the only debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, education was not mentioned at all. While Harris has criticized Trump's education policies, she has not provided specific plans of her own. Trump has proposed eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and has made broad claims about school policies without detailed proposals. Bettina Love, a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, remarked: “It sends a message that the federal government is not truly concerned about public education.” The lack of focus on education reflects a broader trend where candidates prioritize issues like the economy and health care over K-12 education, which is primarily governed at state and local levels.

 

Education Week News

Robert Maranto, Chair of Leadership at the University of Arkansas, argues that education schools, long criticized for outdated methods and poor preparation of teachers, could see a revitalization led by red states. As policymakers and parents push for new educational models, particularly in conservative areas, traditional education schools must reform or face obsolescence. Maranto suggests four key reforms: integrating scientifically-backed fields into teacher preparation, embracing phonics and the "science of reading," improving civics education to emphasize historical understanding, and offering specialized training for teachers in varied pedagogical approaches like Montessori, classical, and "No Excuses" schools. These changes could ensure education schools remain relevant as the education landscape evolves.

 

Education Week News

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has released a preliminary list of schools in Florida that received meat involved in a significant recall. This recall, affecting nearly 12m pounds of meat, was prompted by the discovery of listeria monocytogenes in BrucePac's ready-to-eat poultry. The USDA confirmed that the recalled products were distributed to various schools, which do not participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. "FSIS will continue to update this and the retail product list as it receives more information," the agency announced. The recall has expanded to include 348 pages of affected products, with BrucePac's facility in Durant, Oklahoma, identified as the source.

 

News Herald

Daytona Beach News Journal

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) recently announced a one-week extension to the football postseason for Classes 1A-7A, a decision that many believe came too late. FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon stated that the extension was necessary due to the impact of Hurricane Milton on schools in the Tampa Bay area and Southwest Florida. However, critics argue that this decision should have been made earlier, especially after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage just two weeks prior. "The lack of timely action has left many schools feeling unsupported during challenging times.

 

Ocala.com

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has been awarded the Fostering Diverse Schools Demonstration Grant, providing $1m in funding over the next two years from the U.S. Department of Education. This grant aims to ensure equitable access to high-quality education for all students. M-DCPS is the only school district in Florida to receive this funding, which will enhance data capacity at the school level, allowing for a better understanding of student needs. It will also support market research to address community requirements. Over the next two years, M-DCPS will develop a comprehensive plan with targeted strategies to improve student achievement and community engagement. The Office of Strategic Planning & Initiatives will manage the grant in collaboration with various stakeholders, including parents, students, teachers, and the business community.

 

Miami's Community Newspapers

Superintendent Keith Leonard highlights the transformative impact of the half-cent sales tax on Escambia County's education system. Originally implemented in 1997, the initiative has generated $7m to $8m annually, funding the construction of new schools and renovations of existing facilities. Leonard explained: "Our innovative use of the half-cent sales tax is transforming education in the region." The tax has allowed for significant improvements, including updated HVAC systems and the construction of gymnasiums and play areas. The Half-Cent Sales Tax Watchdog Committee ensures community oversight of expenditures, making this initiative unique in K-12 funding. As the tax is set for renewal on Nov. 5, Leonard urges voters to support it, emphasizing its long-term benefits for students and the community.

 

Pensacola News Journal

The race for Leon County Superintendent of Schools features incumbent Rocky Hanna and challenger Joe Burgess. During a recent forum, they discussed critical topics such as school safety, teacher pay, and mental health support. Hanna, with 36 years in the district, is seeking a third term, while Burgess, a 25-year veteran, aims to unseat him. Both candidates have faced disciplinary actions but maintain their decisions were justified. Hanna stated: "I understand it, I want to pay people more too, but falsifying timesheets is not the way to do it." The candidates also debated the need for metal detectors in schools and the effectiveness of a recent $100,000 marketing campaign aimed at boosting public school enrollment. Burgess criticized the expenditure, saying, "$100,000 is basically two teachers." The election outcome will significantly impact the district's future.

 

Tallahassee.com

John Tobia, a Brevard County Commissioner, resigned from his teaching position at Valencia College after allegations surfaced that he used county staff for course-related tasks. A report revealed that for over a decade, Tobia had engaged legislative aides to assist with grading, course materials, and student communication. "Documentation dating as far back as 2011 showed that Mr. Tobia has engaged legislative staff to assist him with Valencia work products for his courses," the report stated. Following an internal review initiated on August 13, 2024, Tobia submitted his resignation on October 15, ending his 20-year teaching career. A whistleblower complaint sparked the investigation, which uncovered numerous policy violations, including unauthorized access to student information. Despite his claims of minimal staff involvement, evidence suggested otherwise, raising serious ethical concerns about his conduct.

 

Florida Today

The state has mandated the Broward School District to conduct an investigation into the ethics of certain School Board members. This directive follows numerous complaints from one of the district's prominent critics. The investigation aims to address concerns regarding the conduct of the board members and ensure accountability within the district.

 

Sun Sentinel

Nancy and Rick Dillen have been recognized with The Philanthropist 2024 award for their significant contributions to Brevard County. Theresa Grimison, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Brevard, said: “Nancy and Rick have had a transformational impact.” The Dillens, who have been active in the community since 1971, established the Dillen Charitable Fund and the Nancy Baur Dillen Art Teacher Scholarship Fund to support local educators. The Community Foundation noted that their legacy of compassion continues to inspire the community.

 

Florida Today

Recent findings reveal that teenagers struggle to discern accurate information in today's chaotic digital landscape. Peter Adams, senior vice-president of research and design at the News Literacy Project, noted that conspiracy theories appeal to many because they provide “simple explanations for complex, incomprehensible events.” A survey of 1,110 teens aged 13 to 18 found that 94% desire media literacy instruction in schools, with 57% believing it should be mandatory. However, only three states require such education. Many teens fail to identify branded content and often trust misleading sources over professional journalism. As Adams stated, teens are “inheriting the largest, most complex, most frenetic information environment in human history.” To combat this, educators are implementing strategies like lateral reading and reverse image searches to help students navigate the digital world more effectively.

 

Education Week News

Leveled books, commonly used in early reading instruction, are facing criticism as the "science of reading" movement gains traction. These texts, designed for beginning readers, often encourage guessing rather than phonics skills, hindering students' ability to decode words. Wiley Blevins, an educational consultant, emphasized the need for a "tight connection" between letter-sound correspondences and reading material. Many educators are now questioning the effectiveness of leveling systems, which have been shown to inaccurately match students with appropriate texts. Some states have even banned the use of these books in classrooms. However, Blevins suggests that leveled texts can still be useful for writing prompts and content knowledge development, as long as they are not the sole reading material. "We really don't need to buy all new and abandon everything," said Liz Schriver, advocating for a more integrated approach to using leveled readers.

 

Education Week News

In Paula Merrigan’s transitional kindergarten class, strong teacher-student bonds are fostered through warmth and affection. Merrigan emphasizes the importance of emotional connections, stating: “It is so important for every child to feel that their teacher truly cares about them.” This nurturing environment is crucial for young learners, as it can significantly impact their academic success. Experts like Hedy Chang from Attendance Works highlight that early schooling experiences shape children's social and academic futures. Small gestures, such as welcome notes from classmates, can make a significant difference in easing anxiety for new students. Merrigan believes that when children feel cared for, they are more motivated to learn and engage. The emotional component of education is increasingly vital, especially in the wake of the pandemic, as many children face mental health challenges. As Deborah Stipek from Stanford University notes: “There is a lot of research on the importance of teacher sensitivity to young children.”

 

EdSource